Welcome

Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and
others concerned about HIV/AIDS. Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the
conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning: Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive
and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a
username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own
physician.

All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators
of these forums. Click here for “Am I Infected?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please
provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are
true and correct to their knowledge.

Author
Topic: Coconut Oil (Read 16401 times)

Hi everyone,Hope you all had a great Christmas and wish you a happy new year.I have read so many articles about coconut oil and its content of lauric acid. When you consume coconut oil, its Lauric Acid transforms into a substance called Monolaurin that can strengthen the immune system and fight various diseases and viruses. Does anyone has any experiences or advice to add? I read it helps in some cases to lower HIV viral load. I appreciate in advance.

I just want to make clear the fact that coconut oil is NOT a cure for hiv. There is no cure for hiv at this time, no matter how much some people might want you to buy coconut oil. There may or may not be some health benefits to coconut oil, but it will NOT cure hiv.

Ann

Logged

leatherman (aka mIkIE)

All the stars are flashing high above the seaand the party is on fire around you and meWe're gonna burn this disco down before the morning comes- Pet Shop Boys chart from 1992-2015Isentress/Prezcobix

Coconut is not a cure, but it may be helpful.There are many studies, not all funded by the coconut producers, that show that coconut has benefits for viruses and fungus.Since my partner converted a few months ago, he has had a bad fungus issue and candida.Daily doses of Fluconazol keep it down but it won't go away.He even has fungus on his face and head along with athlete's foot......He is not on meds as he has just converted and we want to see how his body is going to rebound. Presently his CD4s are at 437 and CD8 610.

For $0.20 a day, we will give eating a half a coconut each a try for a few months.Mother of Allah it is not easy to eat that much of a coconut! We may have to munch all day...

There is a lot of interesting information about coconut out there that is worth a look.

Heart Diseases: There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for the heart. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. However, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful as it happens in case of other vegetables oils. It does not lead to increase in LDL levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atheroscleros.

Coconut is not a cure, but it may be helpful.There are many studies, not all funded by the coconut producers, that show that coconut has benefits for viruses and fungus.Since my partner converted a few months ago, he has had a bad fungus issue and candida.Daily doses of Fluconazol keep it down but it won't go away.He even has fungus on his face and head along with athlete's foot......He is not on meds as he has just converted and we want to see how his body is going to rebound. Presently his CD4s are at 437 and CD8 610.

For $0.20 a day, we will give eating a half a coconut each a try for a few months.Mother of Allah it is not easy to eat that much of a coconut! We may have to munch all day...

There is a lot of interesting information about coconut out there that is worth a look.

Heart Diseases: There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for the heart. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. However, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in preventing various heart problems including high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful as it happens in case of other vegetables oils. It does not lead to increase in LDL levels. It also reduces the incidence of injury in arteries and therefore helps in preventing atheroscleros.

Bilking people out of their money is oen of my pet peeves, actually. So no, can't mellow out over this one.

The second study used patients who had AIDS-defining conditions AND malabsorption.

The study consisted of 23 patients and lasted 15 days, in 1997.

The first study took place in 1996, and utilized 24 adult patients over a four week period.

In both studies, benefits towards reducing malabsorption, quality of stool, and overall body mass were noted.

This is relevant to AIDS patients with diagnosed malabsorption. These studies said nothing about, as the OP put it,

<<When you consume coconut oil, its Lauric Acid transforms into a substance called Monolaurin that can strengthen the immune system and fight various diseases and viruses.>>

Nothing in the studies mentioned anything of this sort. And Coconut oil CAn contribute to an elevated cholesterol level, a known and potentially dangerous side effect of many drugs used to treat HIV, drugs which were not necessarily available in 1996 or 1997, when these studies were published.

I am sure that a patient undergoing HAART therapy who was experiencing malabsorption would be in contact/communication with her/his doctor before undertaking a therapy that could could have serious, even fatal health disadvantages.

Just like not everyone who feels skinny needs steroids despite regular testosterone readings, , not everyone who has digestive issues needs coconut oil. To the contrary, both can be expensive and hide the true cause of the problem, even causing new problems along the way.

I shall mellow out when people stop making broad claims about HIV and its treatment and then act shocked when those claims are exposed for the half-truths (at best) that they are.

The right tool for the right job; the right medicine for the right ailment, and checking with a professional along the way is the soundest advice this forum can - and should - offer. HIV punishes shortcuts rather severely, and people are happy to prey on the desperation of others.

Fewer things make me less mellow than that.

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

As stated: The right tool for the right job; the right medicine for the right ailment, and checking with a professional along the way is the soundest advice this forum can - and should - offer. HIV punishes shortcuts rather severely, and people are happy to prey on the desperation of others.

Absolutely.

However, to suggest offhand that any nutritional information is quackery, "coconut oil research by a pro-coconut oil "research site" ..... Sorry doesn't cut the mustard, so to speak. Quackery!," without taking a look at the actual research is not helpful either.

I do not believe nor I am not suggesting that coconut oil is a cure for hiv or that it will be a replacement for meds, but I am stating that it might be a helpful supplement.

And as far as the OP's comment NOT claim about the beneficial properties of Lauric acid:

and states in part, "dendritic cells treated with lauric acid show increased T cell activation capacity..." and "These results shed new light in understanding how types of dietary fatty acids differentially modulate immune responses that could alter the risk of many chronic diseases."

This study in 2009 discusses HIV and lauric acid:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19594941Identification of light-independent inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection through bioguided fractionation of Hypericum perforatum.

The conclusion states: "Through bioguided fractionation, we ave identified that 3-hydroxy lauric acid found in field grown Hypericum perforatum has anit-HIV activity. This novel anti-HIV activity can be potentially developed into inexpensive therapies, expanding the current arsenal of anti-retriviral agents."

(For the record, I recogize that Hypericum perforatum is not coconut oil).

Well stated Thom!There is a lot for us all to learn if we keep our minds open to all possibilities.

We are all literate adults and can do our own research on subjects offered, if we like what we find we can continue. If we don't like what we find, we can hit delete. It is that simple.

Hoover and Dr. T

Um, no. Not on a site dedicated to scientifically proven HIV treatment, where the stakes are as high as someone's health and perhaps even life.

I know that this site is a lark for you, while you and your husband frolic in paradise amongst the "natives."

However, when you or anyone post half-truths or outright lies regarding alternative treatments, those of us who actually think that this site exists as a resource rather than a diversion, some of us who are actually committed to first-tiered peer-reviewed science will always do two things: debate or refute the facts, and/or report you to a moderator.

Because this shit is actually real. And can be dangerous.

Of course, you have me on "ignore," so you will not likely read this. But rest assured, I read your sanctimony and condescension, and shall respond when you cross the line.

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

I do feel better each and every time I refute one of your smug and condescending posts. Especially when they espouse scientifically questionable ideas that are promoted by sites linked to HIV denialism, whose sole purpose is to separate sick people, often sick impoverished people, from their scant resources.

I do not, of course, know you well enough to call you reprehensible. I do know your posts to call the vast majority if them that.

When you put a prolific poster on a message forum on "ignore," you can expect to receive less than the sum total of the optimal experience. But rest assured, my "ignore" list remains empty. I will not allow you to drag this place into a cesspool of scientific half-truths and condescending, semi-racist platitudes.

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

"I have tried hard--but life is difficult, and I am a very useless person. I can hardly be said to have an independent existence. I was just a screw or a cog in the great machine I called life, and when I dropped out of it I found I was of no use anywhere else."

So much hate spewed over coconuts?A friend sent me a copy of the message directed towards me and I thought I would reply.

HIV does not discriminate between the rich and the poor, we all suffer.

At no time have I ever suggested or implied that anyone should not be on his or her life saving meds.The newest cocktails are PROVEN to work very well!I am certain my partner and I will be on the meds when the time is appropriate for us and be thankful the meds.

After conversion a few months ago my CD4s went to 348 and my doctor wanted to put me on meds immediately.(Unlike most of the people on this site, I live in a 3rd would country that does not offer the up to date HIV meds and if I try to buy them from other countries I am not guaranteed a steady supply. If we choose to take the meds offered here, my only option for first line meds here is the cocktail with AZT! If the patient does not respond well to the AZT, other meds will be supplied.People on this site who have taken AZT have told me not to take them.None of the newer generation HART meds are available here. In order to get these meds in CR, you must leave the country. You are only allowed to bring in a 3 month supply when you return. It is illegal to import any vitamins, nutritional supplements or medications by mail or any manner other then personally bringing them with you when you return to the country. ) My CD4s are going up every month, probably as my body's natural response to dealing with HIV and possibly a little to something I am doing to help my body.It would be stupid to set back and do nothing at all to help my body when so much is at stake.

This thread is about nutrition. Many people want to exchange thoughts about this subject and do their own research.If they find something they think may help, they should consult their doctor about it.I often read posts saying the supplements do NOTHING and people should just take their meds and nothing else.What about those of us who are not on the meds as our CD4s are above 500?Maybe some of the folks doing the nutritional supplements (after consulting their doctor) are trying to take some control of their lives with the only option they have at hand?If it makes them feel mentally better and does no harm, where is the problem? Eating excess coconut will give a bit of diarrhea.

The first rule in medicine is do no harm. If the body doesn't use the supplements, it eliminates them.Yes supplements can be costly and everyone can't afford them. That is a sad fact for which I have no answer.

What grows in my yard here in my tropical paradise? COCONUTS!I can go to the grocery store and buy them for 40 cents per coconut.If better nutrition can help us stay off the AZT, we will try it.Until you are in my shoes, don't be so quick to judge my actions.

This states my case well enough for everyone to know what I am doing and why I have chosen this course.

Peace,Hoover and Dr. T

Name: jkinatl2 Posts: 2,713 (1.602 per day) Ignored by: 9 members

Um, no. Not on a site dedicated to scientifically proven HIV treatment, where the stakes are as high as someone's health and perhaps even life.

I know that this site is a lark for you, while you and your husband frolic in paradise amongst the "natives."

However, when you or anyone post half-truths or outright lies regarding alternative treatments, those of us who actually think that this site exists as a resource rather than a diversion, some of us who are actually committed to first-tiered peer-reviewed science will always do two things: debate or refute the facts, and/or report you to a moderator.

Because this shit is actually real. And can be dangerous.

Of course, you have me on "ignore," so you will not likely read this. But rest assured, I read your sanctimony and condescension, and shall respond when you cross the lineI do feel better each and every time I refute one of your smug and condescending posts. Especially when they espouse scientifically questionable ideas that are promoted by sites linked to HIV denialism, whose sole purpose is to separate sick people, often sick impoverished people, from their scant resources.

I do not, of course, know you well enough to call you reprehensible. I do know your posts to call the vast majority if them that.

When you put a prolific poster on a message forum on "ignore," you can expect to receive less than the sum total of the optimal experience. But rest assured, my "ignore" list remains empty. I will not allow you to drag this place into a cesspool of scientific half-truths and condescending, semi-racist platitudes.

So much hate spewed over coconuts?A friend sent me a copy of the message directed towards me and I thought I would reply.

HIV does not discriminate between the rich and the poor, we all suffer.

At no time have I ever suggested or implied that anyone should not be on his or her life saving meds.The newest cocktails are PROVEN to work very well!I am certain my partner and I will be on the meds when the time is appropriate for us and be thankful the meds.

After conversion a few months ago my CD4s went to 348 and my doctor wanted to put me on meds immediately.(Unlike most of the people on this site, I live in a 3rd would country that does not offer the up to date HIV meds and if I try to buy them from other countries I am not guaranteed a steady supply. If we choose to take the meds offered here, my only option for first line meds here is the cocktail with AZT! If the patient does not respond well to the AZT, other meds will be supplied.People on this site who have taken AZT have told me not to take them.None of the newer generation HART meds are available here. In order to get these meds in CR, you must leave the country. You are only allowed to bring in a 3 month supply when you return. It is illegal to import any vitamins, nutritional supplements or medications by mail or any manner other then personally bringing them with you when you return to the country. ) My CD4s are going up every month, probably as my body's natural response to dealing with HIV and possibly a little to something I am doing to help my body.It would be stupid to set back and do nothing at all to help my body when so much is at stake.

This thread is about nutrition. Many people want to exchange thoughts about this subject and do their own research.If they find something they think may help, they should consult their doctor about it.I often read posts saying the supplements do NOTHING and people should just take their meds and nothing else.What about those of us who are not on the meds as our CD4s are above 500?Maybe some of the folks doing the nutritional supplements (after consulting their doctor) are trying to take some control of their lives with the only option they have at hand?If it makes them feel mentally better and does no harm, where is the problem? Eating excess coconut will give a bit of diarrhea.

The first rule in medicine is do no harm. If the body doesn't use the supplements, it eliminates them.Yes supplements can be costly and everyone can't afford them. That is a sad fact for which I have no answer.

What grows in my yard here in my tropical paradise? COCONUTS!I can go to the grocery store and buy them for 40 cents per coconut.If better nutrition can help us stay off the AZT, we will try it.Until you are in my shoes, don't be so quick to judge my actions.

This states my case well enough for everyone to know what I am doing and why I have chosen this course.

Peace,Hoover and Dr. T

Name: jkinatl2 Posts: 2,713 (1.602 per day) Ignored by: 9 members

Um, no. Not on a site dedicated to scientifically proven HIV treatment, where the stakes are as high as someone's health and perhaps even life.

I know that this site is a lark for you, while you and your husband frolic in paradise amongst the "natives."

However, when you or anyone post half-truths or outright lies regarding alternative treatments, those of us who actually think that this site exists as a resource rather than a diversion, some of us who are actually committed to first-tiered peer-reviewed science will always do two things: debate or refute the facts, and/or report you to a moderator.

Because this shit is actually real. And can be dangerous.

Of course, you have me on "ignore," so you will not likely read this. But rest assured, I read your sanctimony and condescension, and shall respond when you cross the lineI do feel better each and every time I refute one of your smug and condescending posts. Especially when they espouse scientifically questionable ideas that are promoted by sites linked to HIV denialism, whose sole purpose is to separate sick people, often sick impoverished people, from their scant resources.

I do not, of course, know you well enough to call you reprehensible. I do know your posts to call the vast majority if them that.

When you put a prolific poster on a message forum on "ignore," you can expect to receive less than the sum total of the optimal experience. But rest assured, my "ignore" list remains empty. I will not allow you to drag this place into a cesspool of scientific half-truths and condescending, semi-racist platitudes.

although you have me on ignore as well...Hate? Seriously? The only thing proven to reduce HIV viral load is HAART. But you probably know this, although you might not be ready to deal with taking them. AZT is still an effective drug and there is a huge body of real research surrounding it. The dosing of it is not what it was. Yes the long term side effects are well documented too.

Your posts about supplements and natural products are reminiscent of what it was like before HAART. Many of us grasped on to whatever we could to survive, and nothing worked and our wallets became much lighter.

This thread is about nutrition and HIV but it's not a free for all. Supplements are not regulated. Many "research studies" done are case studies or done on a very small sample or no control group.

I was wondering that too. Hoover is constantly giving "medical" advice but saying "I'm not a doctor nor do I portray one on TV" but then he signs his posts "Hoover and Dr. T". Seems like a great way to confuse people and make them think a real doctor is making these suggestions! And given the fluoride conspiracy, etc. I really hope people don't take medical advice from him/them.

I think posters need to give the readers a little credit.People on this site are not children and shouldn't be treated as such.Discussion boards are just that, for discussion.Look at what is presented and then decide if you want to investigate more or think it is trash.

I think posters need to give the readers a little credit.People on this site are not children and shouldn't be treated as such.Discussion boards are just that, for discussion.Look at what is presented and then decide if you want to investigate more or think it is trash.

Have a pleasant day,Hoover and my non-participating partner Dr. T.

Yes these are discussion boards and most of what we are discussing with you is that your expensive, new agey, homeopathic, unscientific snake oil does not work. Your opinions will probably change once you go on meds. And, apparently, your lifestyle will have to change as you won't have the best access to current meds in paradise.

If your partner isn't participating, why do you sign your posts with his name?

Odyssey's correct. Using "Dr." when signing your posts IS misleading and perhaps it's time you stopped doing it.

One of the bullet points in the main Welcome that appears at the top of each and every forum pages says...

Quote

All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

By signing your posts "Dr.", you are defining your partner as a doctor. So again, you should stop doing this, especially when you're touting any sort of nutritional, supplemental or medical advice. Your lame disclaimer just doesn't cut it.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

I think posters need to give the readers a little credit.People on this site are not children and shouldn't be treated as such.Discussion boards are just that, for discussion.Look at what is presented and then decide if you want to investigate more or think it is trash.

Have a pleasant day,Hoover and my non-participating partner Dr. T.

If posters on this site are not children and shold be treated as adults, why place the dissenters to your tomes on "ignore" rather than engage them/us as adults?

Also, what Ann said. You sign your posts with your "non participating" Doctor-Partner's name. This is unethical and lends a credibility that the content of your postings, sadly, decries.

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

I have read so many articles about coconut oil and its content of lauric acid. When you consume coconut oil, its Lauric Acid transforms into a substance called Monolaurin that can strengthen the immune system and fight various diseases and viruses. Does anyone has any experiences or advice to add? I read it helps in some cases to lower HIV viral load. I appreciate in advance.

Thanks

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

Oh, not the "cabal" again -- how exactly does that term come up again, and again, and again? If I didn't know better I'd think that some other board personae was PMing new members and planting that seed in their minds. Stranger things have been known to happen round these parts.